AC Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost (Price Expectations)

Evaporator coils absorb heat from the indoor air – an integral function of the AC. Essentially, it helps transfer heat, generating cool air.

However, if the coil is damaged or broken, it may lead to poor cooling, frost build-up, high energy bills, etc., which will cost you dearly.

Want to know how much does an evaporator coil replacement cost? Read on!

When To Replace Your AC Evaporator Coil

Here are a few signs that denote you need to replace your AC evaporator coil:

Poor Cooling

An evaporator coil’s fundamental task is to cool the air. So if you experience your AC unit isn’t cooling properly, the problem may lie with your evaporator coil.

Over time, the AC coil can rust or get damaged in other ways. As a result, it can’t properly conduct heat absorption, forcing it to blow warm air rather than cool air.

Frost Build Up

This a rather annoying issue as it makes your air conditioning system turn off/on frequently, using much more electricity than usual.

Hence, the AC compressor cycles more frequently because the evaporator coil fails to cool down the indoor air due to ice build-up on the surface.

Leakage

You may often see water trickling from the coil. In small quantities, it’s fine as it’s just the water condensed from your indoors.

But, if you experience excessive water dripping from the coil, chances are the coil may have a leakage. Mainly, this problem occurs when the evaporator coil itself gets damaged.

Unusual Noises & Sounds

Often, the AC unit will make unusual noises when its evaporator coil has a problem. Hissing, banging, or clanging may signal that the AC coil has to be replaced or repaired.

Not just evaporator coils, these sounds are also linked with other air conditioning problems. So, if you are facing unusual sounds, call an HVAC professional.

Dirt, Deposits & Corrosion

Layers of dirt prevent the hot air from contacting directly with the evaporator coil, affecting your AC unit’s overall performance.

In addition, if the debris isn’t removed, it can lodge permanently on the AC coil, creating several other problems.

On the other hand, corrosion can occur due to the use of chemical sprays in homes.

What Affects The Cost Of AC Evaporator Coil Replacement?

Evaporator coils are vital components in any AC. So when buying a new one, make sure they match your system’s refrigerant type and size.

Having said that, here are a few factors that affect the cost of your unit’s coil replacement:

Size Of The Unit (Cooling BTU/Tons)

Your AC system’s size (cooling BTU/Tons) must meet your outdoor AC condensing unit’s size. Meanwhile, central air conditioning systems are available in different sizes, from 1.5 tons to 5-tons.

The bigger the unit, the expensive the AC evaporator coil and its installation – it’s as simple as that!

Physical Size, Configuration, And Efficiency Rating (SEER)

When replacing your existing evaporator coil, the room left after the coil is removed might not be big enough for a new one. So, if more metalwork is needed, the labor cost will increase tremendously.

Moreover, efficiency ratings also affect the cost. For instance, SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio – measures how efficient and effective your AC unit is.

The coil ratings must meet an appropriate TXV (thermostatic expansion valve) for usage as an external unit.

Refrigerant And Coil Type

The refrigerant and coil type also affects the replacement cost. Wondering how? Basically, the refrigerant type your AC unit uses affects the condenser’s functionality.

Therefore, the replacement cost varies greatly on both r410 refrigerant and R-22 refrigerant.

Moreover, the coil type also affects the expenses. Hence, condenser coils are available in three various types:

• Standard coil (least expensive)
• Spin-Fin coil (comes in mid-range)
• Micro-channel coil (the most costly among three)

Warranty Coverage

If the warranty coverage is left and still active, you won’t have to pay a dime for the replacement part’s cost. In some instances, homeowners have a unit with home warranty coverage that includes HVAC repair.

If that is the case, you’ll have to pay a certain amount of labor and parts costs. Nevertheless, make sure to buy an AC unit with an extended in-home warranty.

Brand Value

The brand you choose will have a significant impact on any repair of your air conditioning unit, let alone evaporator coils. Higher-rated brands and their appliances will cost you more on repairs.

Though you aren’t obligated to call HVAC technicians of the brand your unit is for repairing your evaporator coil, you might call them if you intend to replace the coil under warranty.

How Much Does The AC Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost? (By Tonnage Or Size)

Here’s one thing you need to remember: all AC evaporator coils aren’t made the same. Therefore, the costs range rather significantly. The coil replacement price also varies based on size and tonnage.

Nevertheless, the average high-end AC evaporator coil can cost you around $2200, while the basic unit costs about $400.

In addition, a 1.5-ton coil will cost you between $400 and 1400; whereas, a 5-ton Ac evaporator coil can cost you from $780 to $2190.

Want to know how much the AC coil replacement costs at various sizes? Here’s your ultimate coil replacement cost chart:

Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost By Brand

Your AC brand plays a vital role in the overall coil replacement or repair cost. That’s because each brand uses different types and coil designs.

For example, Goodman employs A-coils on their system. They are readily available, affordable, and come in various shapes and sizes.

However, brands such as Bryant and Carrier use N-coil designs, which are relatively expensive and offer more area.

Here’s the chart detailing how much coil replacement costs by brand:

AC Other Parts & Their Cost When Replacing The AC Evaporator Coil

Replacing an AC evaporator coil isn’t a breeze; it requires more than simply 4-6 hours of labor to remove and replace your existing coil with your new evaporator coil.

Checking and replacing includes removing refrigerant, taking out and disposing of the old coil, placing new coil, adding proper Freon/refringent, among other things.

There’s every possibility that apart from your AC evaporator coil, you may have to pay extra costs for other parts as well when replacing the coil.

Here’s the chart to know how much AC other parts will cost you when replacing the evaporator coil:

Permits And Inspection Cost

Not all towns need a permit and inspection to perform coil replacement as it falls within the repair category rather than system replacement.

However, if you replace the furnace or outer condensing unit simultaneously, chances are you may require a permit and an inspection.

Here are a few reasons why permits and inspections are crucial:

• They are needed to protect from the impacts of replacements or repairs
• They make sure all federal building-related rules and regulations are met
• They protect you from unlicensed contractors

Permits and inspections can easily cost you around $60 to $200 and more!

Cased Vs. Uncased Evaporator Coil Prices

Cased Evaporator Coil

Cased evaporator coils come with their cabinets and only require replacements when you’re installing air handlers or some other component on your AC unit.

Additionally, they are more common than uncased coils, and you can purchase them anywhere from $300 to $1800.

Uncased Evaporator Coil

Uncased evaporator coils are set up within the furnace cabinet or ductwork. Typically, if you’re replacing the coils only, you’ll have to use uncased coils. You can find them between $200 to $1400.

Repair Vs. Replacement

It’s quite challenging to determine when it’s better to replace the coil versus repair it. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and often one is required over another.

Condensing Coils

When it comes to condensing coils, the better option is to replace the entire unit if its warranty has expired in case the coils fail. That’s because replacing a warranty-less coil can be expensive.

Evaporating Coils

If your AC unit is ten-years-old and operating well, your best bet is to replace the unit’s evaporator coil. You can utilize the universal replacement evaporator coil if you aim to cut down the cost.

DIY Vs. Hiring A Pro

AC evaporator coil replacement is best left to HVAC professionals. Though you may manage the mechanical bit of removing and replacing the evaporator coil, the rest of the job requires special skills, certification, and tools.

Here’s what you require to perform the replacement procedure in its entirety:

• Refrigerant or Freon certificate
• Sheet metalworking knowledge
• Special skills and tools

By DIYing it, instead of saving, you’ll have to spend more than expected. So if you’re looking for a quote when hiring a pro? Visit Networx!

People Also Ask (FAQ)

Should I replace the evaporator coil or whole AC?

These are the specific situations where you need to replace your entire unit:

• The AC unit is nine or more years old
• The evaporator coil is obsolete
• The system uses R-22 refrigerant

How long do evaporator coils last?

It varies based on the model type, usages, etc. Nevertheless, the AC evaporator coils can last ten to fifteen years. If they are routinely maintained, they can last even more.

Where is an evaporator coil located?

The evaporator coils are located next to the air intake or the furnace’s outlet side. Its task is to eliminate heat from the indoor air so that the blower can return refreshing, cool air.

Which cost more, evaporator coil or condenser coil?

Condenser coils cost 30% to 40% more than evaporator coils. Specifically, evaporator coils can cost you between $200 and $2800; whereas, the condenser coils will cost you approximately $500 to $2800.

Conclusion

Evaporator coils are critical elements of your air conditioning system. Knowing when to replace or repair them helps you save enough money and time. Though the cost varies from place to place, the average evaporator coil replacement cost ranges from $500 to $2000.